Yes, Lufthansa compensates passengers for canceled flights under certain conditions defined by EU Regulation 261/2004. If your Lufthansa flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure and the reason is within the airline's control, such as technical issues or crew shortages, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the distance of the flight: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. However, if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances—such as severe weather, political unrest, air traffic control strikes, or security threats—Lufthansa is not legally obligated to pay compensation, though they will still offer assistance.

Regardless of the cause of cancellation, Lufthansa must provide passengers with care. This includes meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodations if necessary, as well as transportation to and from the hotel. If your flight is canceled, Lufthansa will usually offer you the choice between a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight. If the alternative flight causes significant delays compared to your original schedule, and the delay meets EU261 thresholds (more than 2 hours for short flights, 3 hours for medium, and 4 hours for long-haul), compensation may still be owed.

Passengers can file a claim for compensation directly through Lufthansa’s website or customer service. It’s important to keep all documentation related to your flight, such as booking details and any communication from the airline about the cancellation. Claims typically take a few weeks to process. If Lufthansa rejects your claim and you believe it is valid, you can escalate the issue to a national enforcement body in the EU or seek help from passenger rights agencies.

In summary, Lufthansa offers compensation for canceled flights when the cancellation is within their control and notice requirements are not met. They also provide care and support during the disruption, and passengers should file claims directly with the airline to seek eligible compensation. For assistance or more information, you may contact Lufthansa customer support at +1-833-845-1858.